$12.2M Agreement Proposed For Township To Purchase Wayne YMCA

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Township officials are preparing to move forward with purchasing the YMCA building on Pike Drive for a new community center, at a cost of $12.2 million.

Both the Wayne YMCA and Mayor Chris Vergano put out statements about the sale agreement, which Township Council will consider approving at Wednesday's meeting. The Y Board of Directors also has to approve the agreement, which the organization said "will mark the end of the Y’s nearly 15 years of dedicated service to the Wayne community."

No closure date has been finalized. The Metro YMCA of the Oranges, which took over operations at the facility in 2011, said they will give members and staff "ample notice" when the time comes.

"The Y is committed to working with the Township to ensure a smooth transition of ownership while supporting members, staff, and the community throughout this transition," said the Wayne YMCA in a statement.

The Metro Y of the Oranges exercised their right to purchase the building from the Young Mens and Young Womens Hebrew Association (YM-YWHA) of North Jersey earlier this year, and met with township officials to discuss plans for the future.

These talks sparked further discussion among Wayne officials about providing a township-run facility to provide more space for youth groups and senior activities, and serve as a hub for community programming.

The YMCA property has 145,904 square feet of space and ample opportunities for recreational programming with a swimming facility, theater, indoor gym, lecture and instructional rooms, township officials pointed out.

"If acquired, the Township intends to continue the robust programming schedule that the YMCA has been known to offer while offering community space to the Wayne Adult Community Center and Wayne Golden Agers," officials said. "The Parks and Recreation Department will operate the facility and will also house the Department of Health and Human Services."

On Wednesday, Council will also introduce an ordinance authorizing $11.78 million in bonds to finance most of the purchase; this debt would be paid through the Open Space Tax without any additional burden to Wayne taxpayers, officials said.

The building at 1 Pike Dr was constructed in 1975, according to township tax records. It originally served as a community center for Jewish and non-Jewish members alike through the Young Mens and Young Womens Hebrew Association (YM-YWHA) of North Jersey.

Previous coverage: YMCA 'Disappointed' As Wayne Officials May Buy Building For New Community Center